Chapter III

A week had already passed since she left the prison. Its amazing how times seems to speed up when you don't want it to and can go so slow when you want it to go faster. Michonne needed time to slow down. She needed to find the Governor quickly and end this persistent gnawing in her head. Whenever she was at the prison it always felt as if they were being watched. No one had seen anyone or caught a glimpse that this might be true but Michonne still felt it.

Michonne had doubled back to a place she and Daryl had discovered on a previous run. There was a small camp where a walker had been put down and what looked like a fire. Daryl was the tracker and she was fortunate enough to pick up a lot from his training. Michonne followed the opposite direction they had previously searched before looking for any signs that life had proceeded on the route.

There were plenty of signs to follow that seemed to lead nowhere. Finally she came upon a town that had very few walkers. After scavenging a few stores for supplies Michonne decided to make camp here. She entered an apartment building that appeared to have been cleared of walkers. She found a clean unit that looked to have been occupied recently. After sorting through her findings, which included several comic books that Carl would love and even a razor for Rick to at least trim his ever growing facial hair, Michonne settled in for the night.

The following morning Michonne completed the sweep of the apartment building finding evidence of possible a single male using one of the units. 'This could be him' she thought to herself. But then again it seems every sign of life she discovered she associate with him. She set out after having breakfast of pop tarts and tea.

There were tire marks set against the building, maybe a large truck. Unfortunately she wasn't able to discern the direction the vehicle had gone, so she followed the trail leading away from the prison once again. Michonne had to alter her course when she saw the herd down the hill. It wasn't a large gathering yet, but it had potential.

It was another three days before she found the abandoned truck. There were too many footsteps from the dead to verify if there were any living. If there were they had been trampled and drug over by the dead. Michonne found a route that would take her in an arch back to the prison, back to Carl and Rick. Leaving them had been harder than she imagined.

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See you soon!

Michonne was trying her best to be gone before the occupants of the prison were up and about. She had just finished readying her horse and was securing her katana when Rick and Carl came out of the side door. It looked like Rick was comforting Carl with his arm wrapped around his shoulders. "Michonne" Carl ran in her direction.

"Hey Carl, I'm glad i get to see you before I head out." Michonne flicked the brim of his sheriff's hat. "Anything you want me to look for while I'm out?" She asked.

"Lots of candy and comic books." Carl said excitedly before sobering. "How long are you going to be gone?"

"I'm really not sure Carl." Michonne braved a glance at Rick who was standing not too far off watching the two of them. She offered a small smile which he returned as he sauntered closer to the pair. "I'm hoping to be back sooner rather than later." She added looking deeply into Rick's eyes.

"Just be careful out there" Rick stated reaching out his hand. Michonne slid her fingers across his as she moved to mount the horse.

"Always am." She countered as she adjusted herself on the horse and steered it towards the gate.

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It was taking much longer to make it back to the prison. Not only did she have to avoid walkers but there were pile ups and what looked like traffic accidents along the way. Michonne had taken her third detour in as many days when she came upon Woodbury. She hardly recognize it as the place she and Andrea were not very long ago. The entire town had been burned to the ground.

Michonne picker her way through the rubble trying to make out which buildings she could recognize. The first apartment they were sent to was reasonable with much of the damage center around the front and bottom level. The upper apartments were intact but empty. There were a few supplies and a place for Michonne to camp for the night in an actual bed. She brushed down the horse and made sure he was out of the way from immediate sight before settling in at a window to watch any comings and goings.

It was raining when Michonne woke up the next morning. She could see a few walkers drifting around outside but none close to where she was hiding out. She watched for at least another hour before the rain started to slow down. Making sure the horse was safe and secure and fed, she climbed the frame of another building that seemed to have suffered most on the ground level.

The third floor was the Governors apartment and everything was in tact there. There was canned food and tea bags, blankets and coats. The item she was not prepared for was Andrea's bag and a Sheriff's department bag. She collected both and filled them with supplies from the apartment and left as quickly as she could trying to keep her emotions under control.

Back outside the rain had begun again, this time harder than before. Michonne rushed back to her previous nights hideout once again checking the horse and making her way to the room upstairs. It look like she would be stranded there for at least another night.

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Rick had stopped counting days after the first week. He was hoping that would make it easier but so far the ache of Michonne's absence was getting heavier to bear with each passing day. He was sure it was over two weeks now and everyday he spent countless hours watching the gate, praying to whatever god who would listen that she would ride up safe and unharmed.

Carl seemed to be in a state of agitation since Michonne left. He snapped at several people about any minute thing. Rick had to take him aside on a number of occasions, making him apologize. Rick set Carl to doing chores as punishment for his behavior until he could socialize. Patrick, Another kid about Carl's age had asked him if he was coming to the library and Carl yelled at him, claiming he acted like a child.

"Carl, that's enough of you going off on people. Go find Hershel and do whatever task he has you do. If I hear of you raising your voice or being rude and anythang I will find a punishment for you that will be very public. You got it?" Rick was at the

"Fine" Carl replied and started walking away.

"Carl?"

"Yes sir! I got it."

Daryl walked up looking a little amused at the exchange between father and son. Rick was at wits end trying to understand his teenaged son's mood swings.

"Sasha and I think we found a way to clear the big spot. We are getting a group together for a supply run tomorrow. You want in?" Daryl asked.

"No man, I gotta stay here to set a good example." Rick rolled his eyes upward in a silent prayer.

"Alright man, any suggestions?"

"Who do you have so far?"

"Me, Sasha of course, Glen, Zach... Need a couple more I think." Daryl was looking around trying to discern who might be a good fit.

"You and Sasha knows the newcomers better than I do. I'm sure you'll get good people." Rick replied as he slowly made his way towards the pig sty.

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Rick laid there for a while just listening to the silence. Judith was still asleep and Carl hadn't stirred. It was 21 days now although he promised he would not count them, he did. 21 days since she rode away from the prison in search of the devil. 21 days since he saw her beautiful face. 21 days since he kissed her full pouty lips. 21 days since he looked into her almond shaped eyes and lost himself. 21 days since he felt her touch and touched her.

This was his ritual now, counting days, bringing her image into his mind and dwelling there with her. Today they were back in to tower looking out over the trees. He could image watching her profile as she smiled or frowned. Rick chuckled to himself, knowing more often than not she was frowning about something or someone. She was a complicated women and he could relate to her in ways that either of them understood. But they gravitated to each other always, drawn like magnets. Maybe that's why she was so resistant. Rick groaned at the thought of her giving in finally and letting him bring down that impenetrable wall she built.

Sitting up slowly and as quietly as he could so as not to disturb his children Rick began to put on his shoes. After a quick stop to freshen up for the day he made his way out of the prison side door. There was a group already working on thinning the gathering herd from the fences. Rick put his headphones in and headed for the gardens.

Carl showed up in the gardens about an hour later looking as if he hadn't gotten much sleep. Rick knew he stayed up late reading. He didn't mind since there was no more formal education system for Carl to attend. They were chatting as Carl seemed to be in a better mood when Carl suddenly bee lined toward the gate.

Rick looked to see what was happening and saw Michonne riding up. He too ran for the gate just as Carl unlocked the chain they both pulled the gate open and secured it closed before running over to where Michonne dismounted her horse. Carl threw himself into her arms earning him a tight hug.

"We're glad to see you" Rick couldn't take his eyes off of her, even while she talked to Carl and teased him about his beard. Then she was leaving again with Daryl, going on a run. It was Carl who voiced how he felt.

"You just got here!"

"And I will be back" Michonne grinned before hopping in the car with Glen.

That night things were sullen with the loss suffered earlier. Rick hadn't seen Michonne since the group returned so he went looking for her. She was in her cell just laying there still fully clothed. Rick eased in and let the drape down for privacy. He crawled behind her onto the cot and pulled her into a spoon.

"Do you wanna talk about it" Rick asks. Michonne adjusted her locs and moved back closer into him wrapping her finger around his which rested on her abdomen. Rick felt her relax and smiled to himself kissing her shoulder.

"Not yet, just hold me." Michonne whispered. She felt herself relax more listening to Rick breathing behind her. He didn't say anything as his thumb stroked lightly back and forth against her shirt. Needing to feel his skin she pulled away and removed her vest and undershirt. She removed both hers and Rick's shoes and turned to help him out of his shirt. Laying back down in the same position. Rick stopped her before she was fully pressed against him. He unclasped her bra sliding it down her arms and pulled her to him.

Taking a deep breath Michonne began telling Rick about looking for the governor, including the direction she went in and finding Woodbury burnt out and destroyed. "I think he did it Rick. It just felt so personal and angry. This guy scares me the longer he's out there."

"We faced him before. If he comes back we can handle it. You don't need to keep going out there Michonne. We need you here." When she didn't respond Rick continued "How much is it about finding him as it is about being away from here?"

It took several minutes before she spoke. Taking a deep breath, "Sometimes it feels like I'm watching things from a movie screen. Everyone is here as if there aren't monsters outside the fences and I don't mean the dead, I mean the evil people who are alive and want to rule what remains of humanity." She took another breath shaking her head lightly. "I want to be here Rick. I want to be with you and Carl and be content but it feels... I don't know. Forced, it feels forced."

"What feels force Michonne? Do you think I am pushing you to be with me?"

Michonne turned in his arms to face Rick..

"Michonne?" It was Carl outside of her cell.

"Hey Carl hold on." Rick and Michonne dressed quickly with Rick moving from the bed to a chair. Michonne opened the curtain to Carl bouncing a fussy Judith.

"I was looking for my dad, Judith won't go to sleep and Hershel said Beth is not doing well since, you know." Rick stood up and took Judith and checked her forehead. Michonne looked on but seemed to be frozen in one spot until Carl drew her attention. "Did you read the other comics I left you Michonne?"

"Um no not yet, but look at this." Michonne pulled out three Colossal Compendiums for the Simpsons. "Your dad will have to 'ok' your reading these."

"Carl go get some fresh water" Rick interrupted searching through the bag Carl brought with some of Judith's things. He was using one hand while holding Judith in the other.

"Give her to me." Michonne held out her arms as Rick looked back at her. She motioned to give her over and Rick handed Judith off to Michonne. Michonne sucked her finger clean before inserting it into Judith's mouth rubbing her gums. "She's teething Rick." She informed him. "Crush the baby Tylenol." Rick did as instructed and watched on as Michonne rubbed it onto Judith's sore gums letting her suck her finger until she finally drifted off to sleep.

Rick couldn't take his eyes from Michonne as she sat with a sleeping Judith in her arms. She was humming a quiet tune very low and rick could barley hear her but Judith's ear pressed against her chest must have felt the vibration. Rick leaned forward and gentle wiped the tear that slipped from Michonne's eye. He squatted down in front of her with his hands on each side of her hips.

"Are you ok?" He asks, she nods her head slowly nuzzling her nose in Judith's hair. "Do you want to talk about it?" She shakes her head no. "Michonne?"

"I will Rick, just not today ok? Please?" Rick nods as Carl returns with the water. He takes note of Michonne holding a now sleeping Judith and her tear stained face and his dad almost holding her.

"Is everything ok."

"Yeah." Rick answers not looking away from Michonne. She looks at Rick and then Carl.

"I'm ok guys, we're ok!" Says says looking between them, making sure they see that she's not having some sort of breakdown. Carl bent in to take Judith and kissed Michonne quickly on the cheek before moving out of the room.

"Carl." Rick caught up to him just outside of the cell "I am going to stay with her tonight ok?" He tells him, studying his face to gauge Carl's reaction.

Carl looked confused for a moment but soon realized what his dad was saying. "Ok dad."

He smirked and moved off to the cell he shared with his dad and sister.

Rick moved back into the cell were Michonne was still sitting on the edge of the bed. He squatted back down in front of her taking her hands in his. "You are the realest thing in this world to me Rick." Michonne tells him "You and Carl helps me stay grounded. I'm not running from you, I don't feel like you are pressuring me. You didn't try to stop me from going out there and I know you don't truly understand my need to go."

"I do and I don't but I trust your instincts." Rick continues to study her expressions watching as her eyes slip closed. Her long lashed resting on her high cheek bones. Her lips slightly parted as she exhaled. Rick wanted to press his lips against her, suck her breath and share his. He squeezed her hands in his.

Michonne laid back on the bed pulling Rick with her. He ended up half on her and Half on the outside of the bed. Her eyes opened to find his gaze on her. Michonne saw in his azure gaze everything he was unable to speak. She wanted to erase the uncertainty she saw there. Her fingers caressed his face as Rick lowered his forehead to hers and the candle burnt itself out.

Rick moved so that his weight wasn't pressing into her, Michonne was still lying on her back, Rick on his side with his hand resting on her abdomen. It was quiet, the only sound was their breathing. Rick knew she wasn't asleep from her heavy sighs every now and then. He wanted her to open up without him asking but he would be content to just hold her. She hadn't asked him to leave and she obviously didn't want to be alone.

Rick moved his hand slightly pushing her shirt up so he could touch her skin. She felt warn under his hand but soft and silky. She smelled like cocoa butter and Michonne, it was heady and he pressed his nose into her hair. His thumb brushed across her navel and she giggled. Rick froze and then repeated the movement. "Stop that tickles." She whispered. Rick could make out her toothy grim in the dim light, her smile almost lighting the room.

"I gathered that.." Rick moved his hand to her hip turning her to face him. "I love the sound... Well I love all of the sounds you make, but I especially love your laugh." His hand moved from her hip pushing her shirt higher so he can explore her waist and back. He sobered a little tilting his head, "I'm listening Michonne whenever you need to talk."

"I know Rick and I really appreciate that and I want to tell you, I'm just...It's still too painful." Her fingers raked through the hairs of his beard and moved to the curls at the base of his neck scraping her nails against his scalp. Rick was doing a poor job controlling his breathing. As much as he wanted to be inside her, he didn't want this to be about sex. There needed to be a different kind of touch. Rick wanted to touch Michonne's heart and soul. He needed her to completely trust him not only with her body but with her truth, her past and her future.

Michonne couldn't see Rick clearly in the darkness of the cell. They lay facing each other, she could feel his warm calloused hand on her waist, his thumb brushing lightly on the underside of her breast where she hadn't replaced her bra when Carl came. It was erotic but comforting at the same time. She heard his heavy breathing like he was trying to control it. Then she heard it even out and knew he had drifted off to sleep.

Rick's eyes snapped open not realizing where he was for a moment. Michonne was no longer in bed but he saw her as his eyes adjusted. It was still dark out and she was standing at the entry to the cell. He could make out her rich brown skin against the gray wall with only her panties on. Rick slipped from the bed and padded over to stand in front of her. Michonne said nothing as she reached for him. Wrapping her arms around his neck and nuzzling her nose under his ear.

Rick pulled her tight into his embrace, his hands moving up and down her smooth skin. Not trying to control himself, his hands went from under her locs to the small of her back and moved to cup her ass. He massaged her ass cheeks sucking her ear into his mouth. "Michonne" He breathed as his lips and tongue blazed a trail down her neck and lingered on her clavicle. He sucked and nibbled on the pronounced bones before pushing her back against the wall, his hand cupping and squeezing her breast and his lips claiming the other.

"Ooh Rick" He released the nipple he was sucking and flicked it with his tongue before moving to the other to pay the same homage as its twin while his hands moved to slide her panties from her body. He kissed her between her breasts and let his tongue draw a line down her stomach. Her hands caught the back of his head to steady herself. Her entire body was aflame, tiny tingles were erupting where is lips or hands had met with her skin.

Michonne closed her eyes to give in to the feelings that were coursing through her body until she felt Rick's tongue slide across the small scar on her lower abdomen. She tensed slightly gripping the curls at the base of his head. He must know then or at least suspect. But He wouldn't ask, he wanted her to tell him. Michonne ventured a look down at him, he kissed the scar again and looked up, sensing her eyes on him.

Rick stood to his full height in front of her naked form and started removing his clothes. When he was naked as well he took her hand kissing each of her fingers and palm before placing her palm against his chest. Rick kept his gaze locked on Michonne's, forcing her to not look away. She was lost in him, his passion and strength anchoring her to the spot and also to him. His heart was beating steady and strong under her hand telling her with no words what she needed.

"Rick" His mouth claimed any other words she was about to utter. He pressed his tongue into he mouth and her teeth clamped down holding it before sucking. Rick moaned and pressed her into the wall, his hardness jabbing her hip. He thrust his tongue deeper into her mouth as he pressed his dick between her legs sliding it across her engorged bud. She tried to widen her stance but his feet placed on either side of her prevented it as he continued sliding against her. The sensation was toe curling as he fucked between her thighs his dick stroking aga

Rick's hands capture her breasts squeezing them in his large calloused hands. Michonne could feel the roughness of his scarred hands and they tormented her with the pleasure it caused. His tongue was relentless in her mouth tasting hers and then fucking her mouth. Her pussy was throbbing and wet from the feel of his dick sliding across it. Michonne wanted him inside her, she tried pushing him back a little or moving her head to speak but she was totally encased. His body had her trapped.

When his lips finally left to suck her neck, Michonne was able to speak. "Rick please" She begged. He released her suddenly and dropped to his knees. He swung her leg over his shoulder and opened his mouth wide to cover her pussy sucking her juices. He licked her from back to front until her felt her legs shaking and then captured her bud, sucking and flicking it fast with his tongue. Michonne came hard holding his head as she grind into his face. "Oh fuck Rick." She hissed out quietly mindful of where they were.

Michonne wanted to scream as Rick stood up causing her leg to extend almost to a 180 degree angle and pushed is engorged cock right into her. It was too lat to beg for mercy as he was thrusting and grinding into her as if his life depended on it. Her head fell back against the wall and she forced her eyes open to see his face contorted as he proceeded to fuck to shit out of her. He had one hand against the wall and the other was pulling her into every thrust by the ass. Michonne bit hard into her bottom lip trying not to scream. Her nails dug into his biceps and she felt her leg slipping.

Rick felt her leg slipping down his arm. He hooked his arm under her knee and reach down for the other leg, suspending her in the air before bracing her against the wall once more. Michonne wrapped her arms around his neck, one arm draped over his head, her fingers gripping his hair. He held his dick deep inside her grinding slow, feeling her release coming. Her pussy tightened around his dick and then the explosion happened. He rested his forehead against her waiting for her heart rate to slow before setting her feet on the ground. Turning her around he thrust back into her from behind. Michonne place her forearms against the wall and rested her head on them as Rick set and erratic pace. She couldn't match his rhythm as there wasn't one. He was pounding, then grinding or swirling, then thrusting. His balls her hitting her click making her want to dig a hole in the concrete wall in front of her.

He had her by the waist, punishing her pussy just because he could. "Rick, fuck" Michonne bit into her arm as another orgasm cause her to sink to her knees. He stood over her brushing her locs out of her face as she knelt there catching her breath. Michonne turned slowly and grasped hold of Rick's dick. She leaned forward and licked her tongue around his red tip. He was so hard in her hands and slippery from her juices. She slid her hand up and down his length causing him to growl deep in his throat. The growl was cut short as his breath hitched when her mouth suctioned onto him pulling him in deep.

Michonne opened up her throat to take him all in before pulling back and sucking the tip while her hands kept a steady rhythm. When she felt his hands in her hair she removed her hand and let him fuck her mouth. Rick pulled his dick from Michonne's mouth and pulled her up by the arm leading her to the bed. He positioned her on her back and climbed on top of her placing kisses across her chest and neck finally capturing her lips with his in a searing kiss as he penetrated her yet again.

Rick put his full weight on her. Michonne wrapped her arms and legs around him, pulling him closer as their tongues danced together. This pace was excruciating, slow and deep. So deep, soul deep was what Michonne was thinking as he fucked, no as Rick made love to her. This was it, that moment when there is no more pretending, when your body betrays your secrets. She wondered if he could sense the same as his name slipped fro her lips over and over. When he pulled back to look at her she knew that he knew. His blue irises bore the truth and the realization.

"I love you!" Rick whispered never taking his eyes from hers.

"I love you too!"